How to Decorate Your Kitchen Table With Place Settings

Creating a warm and inviting kitchen table is easy when you pre-set the table with decorative place settings. The simple addition of place mats, plates, glasses, silverware and a table centerpiece gives the kitchen that "can't wait" atmosphere that invites people to have a seat and stay awhile. Whether decorating for the holidays or every day, the table changes with the colors and arrangements you decide to display. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1




Placemats come in many colors and patterns that can influence your decor.

Lay out the tablecloth or place mats. While tablecloths may hide a beautiful table finish and are therefore optional, placemats are necessary to help protect the surface of your table. Carefully center each mat in front of a chair. Placemats are available in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be changed according to your decorating style. Make use of the colorful selection to tie the table into a holiday or season. For example, deep red, green, blue, gold or silver mats create a winter holiday feel while bright pastel colors can reflect springtime whimsy.

2




Use a charger that will enhance the look of your table decorations.

Lay the charger in the center of the placemat. Chargers are colorful, large platters used for decorative purposes only. Available in a number of materials, from plastic to wood, chargers enhance the look of the dinner plate. Choose a charger color that complements the overall design and feel of your table decorating. For example, for a winter setting with a blue placemat, consider a silver charger that will look like ice.

3

Set the table. Put the dining plate, glass and silverware in front of each chair. Napkins can be fluffed and placed inside glassware, folded and put between the charger and dining plate or folded in half and placed under silverware. Place all dinnerware on the mat.

4

Put the centerpiece in place. A centerpiece ties all elements of the table together. Create a simple centerpiece by placing a pillar candle in the center of a large glass votive. Carefully place colored glass stones around the bottom of the candle to keep it in place. The glass pieces should complement the design of your table. For example, pink glass can be used for spring while deep red could be used for Christmas. When lit, the candle flame will reflect off the glass adding sparkle to your table.